$45m infrastructure upgrade with new wastewater plant in Qld

A new state-of-the-art wastewater treatment plant is now up and running in Somerset, Queensland, marking the completion of a $45 million upgrade to vital infrastructure in the region.

The upgrade is Urban Utilities’ largest project in Somerset to date, and also included the laying of 8 km of new pipes and the construction of two new wastewater pump stations.

The new plant will be capable of treating 1.5 megalitres of wastewater every day from Lowood and Fernvale.

Urban Utilities Resource Recovery General Manager Peter Donaghy said the upgrade would ensure the region was well and truly prepared for growth.

“As more people choose to call beautiful Somerset home, it’s important we lay down the foundations for the future,” he said.

“The treatment plant has doubled the capacity of the local wastewater network, ensuring the region has the infrastructure it needs for many years to come.

“Equipped with the latest membrane technology wastewater treatment, the plant will also deliver environmental benefits for local waterways.”

Donaghy said the previous Fernvale and Lowood treatment plants were significantly impacted by the 2011 floods and the location of the new plant provided important flood resilience.

Somerset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann welcomed the completion of the upgrade.

“Somerset is one of the fastest growing regional council areas in Queensland and this significant investment by Urban Utilities will make sure we’re well prepared for growth,” he said.

“This is a great outcome for our region.”

In an additional benefit, the new wastewater treatment plant will also provide high-quality recycled water to sustainably irrigate Fernvale Sports Park.

The Drought Solutions Pipeline was funded under the Queensland Government’s Unite and Recover Community Stimulus Program part 1.

Image caption: Peter Donaghy from Urban Utilities with Somserset Regional Council Mayor Graeme Lehmann at the new wastewater plant.